[unfrufru]

coupla things here

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/theatr...rce=Metro&ct=5

Tim reveals his Darkside
Reviewed by Sharon Lougher, Metro (28 February 2006)


It's taken some time to get a proper London run out of Melbourne's Tim Minchin since he left Edinburgh last summer as the highly deserving winner of Perrier's Best Newcomer award. But it's been worth the wait.

This barefoot Sideshow Bob lookalike has only done stand-up for a couple of years but the marvellous collision of mirth and piano in this show places him as Victoria Wood's darkly cerebral polar opposite.

Minchin has a CV that includes acting, bands, musical directorships and solo music work - and he is super at tinkling the ivories. As a songwriter, his strength lies in inventive detail and witty wordplay. Rock'n'roll Nerd - about a middle-class lad whose dangerless life robs his songs of depth - playfully hints at autobiography.

He also does a good line in mocking the music biz, religion and moneyed lefties. His delightfully upbeat ditty, Anthem For Palestine, has lyrics to make you gasp. The hilariously egocentric Canvas Bags sees a rapping Minchin revel, arms outstretched, among disco lights and pre-recorded harmonies. Rounding out the package is Minchin's ability to keep this show tight. His playing is energetic, his between-song patter fun, low-key and brief. He even works a guitar and poetry into the show. Other comics will be writing their next Edinburgh shows about now - here's hoping Minchin has another in the (canvas) bag.

http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/content/cam...A25%3A53%3A750

<H1>Comedy: Minchin towards success

editorial@hamhigh.co.uk
03 March 2006


Widely - and rightly - tipped as the next big thing, Aussie Tim is a nice middle class boy with rock star looks and some hilarious songs, writes Matt Eley

TIM Minchin looks like a rock star with the rough edges smoothed out. All the elements are in place: the wild hair, slightly mad-looking eyes and an undoubted musical talent.

But, as he admits in one of his opening songs, the teen market is just not after nice and middle class with no major personal issues.

After years of failing to make it in the music world, the pianist has turned his attention to comedy. Last year he won the Perrier Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Festival and now he has brought his one man show, Darkside, to the Soho Theatre.

On this performance it is no surprise that he is being hailed by many comedy critics as the next big thing.

The show features the Australian, a piano, a guitar and a selection of amusing songs. These range from the silly Inflatable You, about a relationship with a blow-up doll, to the satirical when he tackles issues such as the Middle East conflict, and then others where he focuses on his own internal world.

To label them as just comedy songs is doing Minchin something of a disservice. Primarily he is a musician who crafts and sings good songs that just happen to be funny as well.

His act marks a return to the days of variety where performers had more than one string to their bow. In between songs he steps away from the instruments to deliver his stand-up routine to prove he is more than just an amusing musician.

It is an excellent alternative cabaret show where the audience is laughing throughout and occasionally clapping along as well.

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